tourist guide of liverpool

Liverpool Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary & map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 4, 2023

Our Liverpool Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit, things to do, accommodation options, tips and more from one of England’s most popular cities. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to the city.

Plan your visit to Liverpool

Liverpool is of course synonymous with one of the greatest bands of all time – the Beatles. But there is so much more to this northern city which contributes to its position as one of the top 5 visited cities in the UK.

In the 19th century a major port and migration hub developed in Liverpool due largely to the Industrial Revolution and colonisation of North America. In fact the Albert Docks (as part of the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City) were until recently a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Recent regeneration projects have revitalised Liverpool and for those with an interest in music, the arts, culture, architecture, sport Liverpool is the perfect destination.

Transport links to Liverpool are excellent, there are many accommodation options to suit a variety of travel styles plus numerous tours, museums, art galleries, sports venues and more to visit.

Ready to plan your trip to Liverpool? This Liverpool travel guide includes everything you need to know to help you to make the most of your visit to the city.

What you will find in this complete Liverpool Travel Guide

Map of Liverpool

Attractions and things to do in liverpool, where to stay in liverpool – accommodation options, how to travel to liverpool from london, tours to liverpool from london, liverpool tours and tickets, liverpool travel guide tips to make the most of your visit, uk & london travel planning group.

Discover what Liverpool has to offer visitors in my guide to the city. For Beatles fans, you will find my itinerary includes everything you need to know including where to stay, which tours to book and the locations of places important to the Beatles.

Plan a few days to explore Liverpool and to make the most of your visit to this northern city.

THINGS TO DO IN LIVERPOOL

LIVERPOOL ITINERARY FOR BEATLES FANS (& THE BEATLES IN LONDON)

CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

Liverpool offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs. If you are wondering where to stay in Liverpool you will find the perfect hotel below.

GUIDE TO THE BEST AREAS &

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN LIVERPOOL

You can find my selection of special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

Option 1 – By car

Liverpool is located 220 miles from London a journey of approximately 4 hours by car. Click here for driving instructions . If you are planning to drive to Liverpool do check that your accommodation has parking included.

Option 2 – By train

I recommend this option as it is the quickest and easiest route to Liverpool. There are hourly train service from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street. Journey time is a little over 2 hours. For train bookings, timetables and fares click here .

For more information about travelling by train in the UK read my complete guide here.

Option 3 – By bus

This is the cheapest way to get to Liverpool from London with coaches leaving from London’s Victoria Coach Station throughout the day. The journey time is around 6 hours.

Click here for more information for National Express coaches to Liverpool .

• Read – How to take a day trip from London to Liverpool

If you prefer an organised tour from London there are a number of options available from a fully escorted tour to a self-guided option with all tickets included.

• Full-Day Beatles and Liverpool Tour from London

Roll up for the Magical Mystery Tour! An absolute must for fans of the Fab Four, this fun Beatles Tour includes entry to The Beatles Story Exhibition and a whistle-stop vintage bus ride around the sites that meant most to John, George, Paul and Ringo.

• Self-Guided Day Trip to Rock & Roll Liverpool

Take the train from London to Liverpool and explore the city at your own pace on a self-guided 13-hour day trip. Your Liverpool pass includes entry to the award-winning Beatles Story, and a 2-hour Magical Mystery Tour of the Fab Four’s landmarks.

Below is a selection of the best experiences, tickets and tours you can book in Liverpool.

• The Beatles Story Ticket (Skip the line)

The award-winning Beatles Story is the world’s largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to the lives and times of The Beatles.

• City and Beatles Open Top Bus Tour

Hop on board the bus and journey through the history of the Beatles and the city of Liverpool. Stop at Penny Lane and the Strawberry Field where you can take photos and learn from your guide.

• Liverpool Football Club: Museum and Stadium Tour

Go behind the scenes inside one of the world’s most iconic and historic stadiums! The ticket includes entry to the Club’s interactive museum, The Liverpool FC Story, Trophy Exhibition Room and all six European cups.

• A Taste of Liverpool Food Walking Tour

A guided walking tour offering a relaxed unique and memorable food tasting experience through Liverpool City.

• Discover Liverpool’s North Docks

From the hidden indoor market to the artisan micro-brewery explore the North Docks of Liverpool on this 1 hour tour.

⭐️ CLICK HERE FOR MORE TOURS AND ACTIVITIES IN LIVERPOOL

• Avoid visiting the city on match day (for either of the football teams – Liverpool or Everton) If you are a football fan and wish to visit one of the stadiums (or even a match) you can find more information here.
• Book tours in advance – the most popular Beatles tours are often booked months ahead.
• The main train station in Liverpool Lime Street. The city is very walkable with many of the main attractions are within walking distance of the station.
• Don’t miss a visit to the Cavern Club – an absolute must for any Beatles fan. You are given a free ticket to the club if you take the Magical Mystery Beatles Tour bus . I recommend staying at the Hard Days Night Hotel if you plan an evening at the Club as it is just around the corner!
• For best views of Liverpool’s Waterfront take the Mersey Ferry. The trip takes 50 minutes and you will learn all about the city’s history during the journey.
• Looking for more travel inspiration in the North West of England? Check out my top 10 things to do in the region .
• Why not include Liverpool in a road trip/ rail trip around the UK? Other cities to consider visiting in the north include Manchester, Chester, Newcastle, York and Durham. Find more in my guide to the best cities in England to visit.
• If you enjoy art don’t miss Tate Liverpool which is located at the Albert Docks Waterfront. Other attractions at the Waterfront include the international slavery museum.

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

Why not join my UK and London travel planning group on Facebook for more tips, inspiration and help from other travellers planning future travel to London and the UK.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Liverpool Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Liverpool is one of the most visited cities in England . Like neighboring Manchester , Liverpool saw tremendous expansion during the Industrial Revolution, when it became a major port city.

After the city’s decline, Liverpool became known as a dingy industrial city that was filled with crime. It wasn’t a place most people wanted to go.

Fortunately, that reputation has been shaken off.

In the last few decades, the city has evolved into a major hub for food, art, and music. In fact, in 2008 Liverpool was named the European Capital of Culture.

There’s a lot to see when you visit Liverpool, including many free museums, parks, and inexpensive restaurants. As the World Capital City of Pop, the city is famous for its music scene. It’s best known as the birthplace of The Beatles, but the city is also home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the oldest professional symphony orchestra in the UK.

This Liverpool travel guide can help you plan your trip so you save money and make the most of your time in this lively destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Liverpool

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Liverpool

1. See the University of Liverpool

The university has beautiful, well-maintained grounds and gardens that make for a lovely afternoon stroll. Abercromby Square is a popular hangout, with a sprawling lawn and garden in the center. The university is one of the UK’s ‘red brick universities’ which is a name given to the civic universities built in major industrial cities throughout England in the 1900s. Liverpool University is often referred to as the Original Red Brick. The campus is only about a five-minute walk from Liverpool City Centre and spans around 100 acres. While you’re here, you can also visit the free Victoria Gallery & Museum, located in the university’s original red brick building.

2. Visit the World Museum

This free natural history museum contains a vast assortment of exhibits on world cultures, zoology, geology, and more. Once known as the Derby Museum, it opened in 1851 and included the 13th earl of Derby’s personal collection of natural history exhibits. The original two-room museum continued to grow in popularity, and it moved to a brand-new building in 1860. Heavily damaged during World War II, several exhibits were lost, and the museum didn’t reopen until 15 years after the end of the war. In 2005 there was a complete renovation which nearly doubled the size of the exhibits. Some of the best exhibits include the Natural History Centre, the planetarium, and one of the best Egyptian archaeology exhibitions in England (which includes several mummies).

3. Watch a football match

Football (soccer) is life here, and there’s no better way to see how the locals value the sport than to attend a match. You can see either Everton or Liverpool, but make sure to never root for the opposite team (the rivalry between Everton and Liverpool has been around since the late 1800s when the Liverpool Football Club was formed in response to a disagreement between the directors of Everton Football Club). Expect to pay around 40 GBP for tickets.

4. Learn about The Beatles

The award-winning Beatles Story museum is the world’s largest exhibition dedicated to the Beatles, telling the story of their rise to fame through memorabilia (including their instruments), imagery, and video. There are also replicas of iconic locations like Abbey Road Studios, Casbah, Mathew Street, and The Cavern where the band played many of their early Liverpool shows. Admission is 18 GBP.

5. Explore the Royal Albert Dock

Located in the historic waterfront area of Liverpool, the dock was originally designed by Jesse Hartley in 1846 and was used for ships carrying cotton, brandy, and sugar, along with other imports, all of which played an important role in the economy of the city. These days, the Royal Albert Dock is a complex of historic dock buildings and warehouses that contain several museums, such as the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Tate Liverpool, and The Beatles Story. There are some awesome bars and restaurants here too and it’s the perfect place to check out Liverpool’s thriving arts and culture.

Other Things to See and Do in Liverpool

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the first things I do in a new city is to take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. New Europe offers daily free tours that last 3 hours and covers all the main sights (they have a paid tour just on The Beatles too). Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

2. Admire local art at the Bluecoat

Located in a historic 18th-century building (the oldest surviving building in Liverpool), The Bluecoat is a gallery and center for contemporary art. The venue also hosts special talks, events, dance, and visual arts exhibitions too. It’s free to visit, though tickets are required for some special events. Check the website for details to see what’s on during your visit.

3. Visit the International Slavery Museum

The International Slavery Museum (part of the free National Museums Liverpool network) focuses on slavery both past and present. Liverpool was a major slaving port during the 18th century, and the museum helps paint a vivid picture of how Liverpool grew in importance during this time — and at what cost. Exhibitions and artifacts from the Transatlantic slavery collection showcase the impact that slavery had not only on Liverpool but the entire world. Additional exhibitions include the African diaspora collection, the racist memorabilia collection, and an extensive section of the museum focused on contemporary slavery in today’s world. Admission is free.

4. Rock out at Liverpool International Music Festival

Every August, Liverpool puts on one of the biggest music festivals in the world. The festival was initially famous for being Europe’s largest free music event, but since 2018 it’s been a ticketed event (though prices are still reasonable and can be found for around 25 GBP). The performing artists are mostly DJs and producers, with a heavy focus on British artists. The weekend festival includes three outdoor stages and many creative artist spaces to chill out in the summer heat.

5. See Liverpool Cathedral

This 20th century Gothic Revival cathedral is the largest religious building in the United Kingdom. It’s also the longest cathedral in the world and listed on England’s National Heritage List. Huge, vaulted ceilings make up the central nave, choir, and central tower with impressive stained-glass windows throughout. On a clear day, the tower has breathtaking views of Liverpool, Merseyside, and beyond. It’s free to visit but the tower costs 6 GBP.

6. Get lost in the Williamson’s Tunnels

In the early 1800s, a Liverpool tobacco merchant, Joseph Williamson, funded the construction of an enormous labyrinth of tunnels around the city. To this day, nobody knows why. Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels offers free guided tours on Wednesdays and Sundays. You can also learn more at the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre, which gives guided tours (4.50 GBP) of a different tunnel section on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

7. Enjoy contemporary art at Tate Liverpool

Located in a warehouse at the Royal Albert Dock, Tate Liverpool’s opening in the 1980s helped to solidify Liverpool’s place in the contemporary art world, transforming the city from its rugged manufacturing past into a modern cosmopolitan city. Admission to Tate Liverpool is free (except for special exhibitions).

8. Learn about Liverpool’s maritime history

The Merseyside Maritime Museum details Liverpool’s seafaring past through artist renditions of maritime life, stories of life at sea, shipwrecked objects, ship models, and more. One of the museum’s highlights is an extensive collection on the Titanic (the Titanic’s home port was Liverpool). You can also book tickets here for the Old Dock Tour, where you’ll visit the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock. Admission to the museum is free and the Old Dock Tour costs 8.50 GBP.

9. Visit the FACT Media Center

Foundation for Creative Art and Technology (FACT) is a leading organization dedicated to supporting British artists. There are two large art galleries here as well as three movie screens showing the latest art house releases (and occasionally mainstream releases). The complex also contains Picturehouse Bar (a cool bar where you can grab a drink) and a café. Entry to the exhibitions is free and cinema prices start at 8 GBP.

10. Relax at Sefton Park

One of Liverpool’s largest parks, here you’ll find plenty of walking paths, green space to enjoy a picnic, a large lake, and multiple cafes scattered throughout. Don’t miss the red Victorian bandstand, which is said to be the inspiration for The Beatles’ song, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The historic Sefton Park Palm House Conservatory showcases botanical life from around the world and hosts regular events for the public (admission is free).

11. Take a food tour

Liverpool has a vibrant food scene, and there’s no better way to spend your day than learning about the food culture of the city. Liverpool Tours has a tour that takes you to six different independent food and drink spots over the course of a three-hour tour. Tours are 80 GBP for individual tickets but booking two or more tickets brings the price down to 70 GBP each.

  For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides!

• Bath Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Bristol Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide

Liverpool Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Dorms with 6-8 beds cost 30-50 GBP per night while a private room is 65-120 GBP, depending upon the season. Free Wi-Fi is standard, though most hostels here don’t have self-catering facilities or offer breakfast.

There are several campgrounds outside Liverpool for those who have a tent, but they are only convenient if you have a vehicle. Expect to pay at least 15 GBP for a basic plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels start at 50 GBP, with breakfast often included. Expect to pay at least 65 GBP during the peak summer season, especially when there are events or festivals happening.

There are lots of Airbnb options in Liverpool, with private rooms starting at 40 GBP per night while an entire home/apartment costs 70-90 GBP. Expect prices to double if you don’t book in advance.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

Fish and chips usually cost around 5 GBP and you can get a variety of cheap sandwiches for 5-7 GBP at local delis. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 6 GBP for a combo meal.

For a mid-range meal at a pub or restaurant, expect to pay 10-17 GBP for a main course like burger, pasta, or a vegetarian meal. A pint of beer costs around 4 GBP and a latte/cappuccino is around 3 GBP.

You’ll find a fair amount of high-end dining in Liverpool. Expect to pay 40 GBP or more for a three-course menu. If you’re traveling on a budget, I’d skip the fancy food, as it’s pretty pricey!

Pizza starts at 9-10 GBP while Indian food is around 7-10 GBP for a main dish.

If you plan on cooking your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs 40-60 GBP. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, produce, and some meat. The best places to buy cheap groceries are Lidl, Aldi, and Sainsbury’s.

Backpacking Liverpool Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Liverpool, expect to spend about 65 GBP per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, taking public transit, cooking your own meals, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like free walking tours and free museum visits. If you plan on drinking, add 10-15 GBP to your daily budget.

A mid-range budget of about 120 GBP per day covers staying in a private Airbnb room or private hostel room, eating out for most of your meals, taking the occasional taxi, having a few drinks, and doing some paid activities like taking a food tour or watching a soccer game.

On a “luxury” budget of about 250 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you want, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Liverpool Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Liverpool’s reputation as a student-friendly city makes it more affordable than most other English cities. With cheap pubs, plentiful public parks, and numerous free activities, there are a lot of ways to cut costs here. These are my top suggestions to save money in Liverpool:

• Enjoy the waterfront – Liverpool’s photographic waterfront of converted warehouses and docks is a great place to take in some seaside views and enjoy the historic architecture. There are lots of outdoor spots to sit and enjoy people watching for free.
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to get a sense of the city be sure to take a free walking tour. They last a couple of hours and are a great way to immerse yourself in the city while learning about its past. New Europe offers daily free tours of the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end.
• Spend an afternoon in the park – Stroll the walking trails and paths of Sefton Park, spending time at the lake and waterfalls. It’s a great spot to enjoy a budget-friendly afternoon.
• Visit the museums – All of the museums that are part of the National Museums Liverpool network are free. These top museums cover a range of topics including art, history, archaeology, and nautical themes. The Tate Liverpool is also free and worth wandering through.
• Stay with a local – If you’re on a budget, use Couchsurfing . It connects you with a local who can host you for free as part of a cultural exchange. They can share their insider tips about the city too!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Liverpool

Liverpool only has a couple budget-friendly choices in the city. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• The Liverpool Pod
• Embassie Liverpool Backpackers

How to Get Around Liverpool

Public transportation – Buses are the best way to get around Liverpool. A day pass costs 5 GBP for a single day and a three-day pass is 14.10 GBP. Single fares start at 2.20 GBP, making the day pass your best choice.

The city also has a rail system with 68 stations in and around Liverpool. Single-fare tickets cost 4.20GBP and a 7-day pass is 17.20 GBP.

Bicycle – Liverpool is a bike-friendly city. There are a variety of bike rental options throughout the city with bikes costing around 10-20 GBP for a rental.

Taxis – Taxis are readily available and cost 2.60 GBP to start and then 1.50 GBP per mile. Prices add up quickly so I wouldn’t take one unless absolutely necessary.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Liverpool but public transport is the easiest and cheapest to get around in the city. Skip the rideshares if you can.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 25 GBP per day for a multi-day rental, though you only need a car if you plan on leaving the city to explore the region. Just remember that you’ll be driving on the left and that most vehicles are manuals. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old.

When to Go to Liverpool

As a northern English city, Liverpool has a similar climate to nearby Manchester. Summer is the peak tourism season and offers warm weather, though it rarely gets above 21°C (70°F). The summer season is also festival season; expect the city to be more crowded during busy festival dates. Liverpool International Music Festival (August), Liverpool Pride (July), Africa Oyé (June), and Creamfields (August) are the biggest summer events. Expect higher accommodation prices during these events.

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are also fantastic times to visit, as temperatures are mild and the summer crowds have thinned. You may get some rain, but otherwise, it’s my favorite time to visit.

Winter sees temperatures just above freezing, sometimes reaching highs of 6-10°C (40-50°F). While the sun sets early during this time, the cold is not unbearable and the city is still bustling with activities. Around Christmas, the city is especially popular thanks to ice rinks, a festive Christmas Market, and lots of shopping.

How to Stay Safe in Liverpool

While violent crime against tourists is rare, Liverpool struggles with petty crime, though recently it has been recognized as a safer city than Manchester.

Scams and pickpocketing can occur around high traffic areas and on public transportation so be alert and keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

Pickpockets tend to work in teams, so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. The Toxteth, Dingle, and Wavertree neighborhoods in south Liverpool are known to be seedier than other parts of Liverpool and Merseyside, but as a tourist, most of the attractions are in the central and north anyway.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Your biggest worry is likely to be walking around late at night, especially after leaving a pub or club after a few too many pints. Stay alert to avoid pickpockets and bad situations.

While scams here are rare, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

if you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Liverpool Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Liverpool Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

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Top Attractions in Liverpool

Top attractions in liverpool.

There are some places that you just don't want to miss on your trip to Liverpool

Liverpool's Top Attractions

Browse and book tickets for the most popular attractions in Liverpool.  

There are several places you don’t want to miss, if you really want to see the best of the city region. At Royal Liver Building 360 you can enter Liverpool’s most iconic building and see inside the clock tower, housing clock faces larger than those of Big Ben.  

You’ll want to take a trip on the famous ferry cross the Mersey and admire the city skyline from on-board. Hop off the ferry at Seacombe to visit Eureka! Science + Discovery.  For more shoreline experiences, visit  Another Place in Crosby and walk along the Pier in Southport.   

For kids there’s plenty to get stuck into from science discovery to virtual reality. Get up-close to wild life at Knowsley Safari and learn about aquatics at the World Museum. There are loads of fun and educational places for children of all ages to visit across the region.   

When it comes to culture, Liverpool is home to Tate Liverpool , housing the best in modern art. The Walker Art Gallery has a stunning collection of classic art and the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight is regarded as one of the finest galleries in Europe.   

But there is so much more. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, this selection of top attractions is the right place.

Unmissable attractions in Liverpool

The cavern club.

The legendary cellar that has seen seven incredible decades of music; from The Beatles first…

Museum of Liverpool

The Museum of Liverpool is the world’s first national museum devoted to the history of a…

Royal Liver Building 360

Immersive visitor experience and guided tower tour unlocks Liverpool’s icon. - A Visitors…

Liverpool Football Club

See areas of the stadium: the state-of-the-art Home Team dressing room, Away Team dressing room…

World Museum

Industrial Action - Venue Closures  Some National Museums Liverpool venues will close due to…

British Music Experience

From the Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Bowie to The Spice Girls, Oasis and Adele, the BME charts…

Maritime Museum

Walker art gallery, tate liverpool.

Tate Liverpool is currently at RIBA North, Mann Island a short distance along Liverpool’s…

The Royal Albert Dock

With the iconic Royal Albert Dock Liverpool being one of the prime locations to visit during a visit…

Sefton Park

Sefton Park in Liverpool is arguably the best known and most loved by locals. Classified as a Grade…

The Beatles Story

Tickets must be pre-purchased in advance of your visit. To purchase tickets on the day, please speak…

Knowsley Safari

Where rhino stomp and lions roar, the safari by the city, and so much more. Experience…

Mendips & 20 Forthlin Road (Beatles Childhood Homes)

Step inside the lives of a young Lennon and McCartney with this combined escorted tour of Mendips…

The Bluecoat

​​​​​​A Grade I listed, 300 year old building in the heart of Liverpool’s city centre…

Liverpool Cathedral

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is Britain's biggest Cathedral and the 5th largest in Europe. The…

Mersey Ferries

Give a unique experience gift this Christmas with Mersey Ferries.  Treat your loved ones to an…

Strawberry Field

Let me take you down’ to Strawberry Field, Liverpool, where you can explore, unwind and dream…

Liverpool Beatles Museum

The Grade 2 listed building that houses this breath-taking collection of over 1000 items is situated…

St George's Hall

Celebrate. Experience. Discover. The Grade I listed St George’s Hall sits within the heart of…

Liverpool attractions

10 things Liverpool locals want you to know before you visit

Sep 3, 2022 • 5 min read

Liverpool finds something to celebrate every night of the week – here's what to know before you visit this party-happy city © sturti / Getty Images

Wondering what’s so good about Liverpool ? As a former resident of this characterful city, I can say wholeheartedly that it’s one of the warmest, most exhilarating locations in northern England .

It’s a place where party animals, history lovers and shopaholics all live in harmony, where uniqueness is always celebrated and where civic pride isn’t mere rhetoric. 

Liverpool's compact, attraction-filled center makes it an easy place to explore. The city is an ever-popular destination, so a little bit of pre-planning will go a long way. Here are a few things to know before going to Liverpool. 

Two days gives you a taste of Liverpool, and four gives you the full works

Liverpool’s easy access from cities around England via train makes it an excellent weekend destination. A couple of days is ideal if you want to fit in a museum, soak up the grandeur of the Georgian Quarter and sample the city’s buzzing nightlife. 

If you really want to do the city justice, staying for four or five days is a better bet. This amount of time lets you explore more of Liverpool's top neighborhoods and even throw in a day trip or two . Why not hop across the Mersey River on the ferry to New Brighton where you’ll find one of Liverpool’s best beaches ? 

Farther afield, the National Trust's  Speke Hall near John Lennon Airport is a Tudor masterpiece, while historic Chester – with its Roman-era walls – is only 40 minutes away by train.

Avoid visiting on game days

Liverpool has two professional soccer teams (Liverpool FC and Everton), meaning the city hosts twice as many home games. On match days, footie fans descend on the city in droves and make everything from public transport to pubs a whole lot busier. 

Game days can also push the price of accommodations up, so it’s always worth booking in advance. Unless you’re joining the hordes heading to Anfield or Everton stadiums, you may want to plan your trip for another time altogether. 

Book your museum slots in advance

Visiting museums – whether that’s the futuristic Museum of Liverpool or the treasure-packed World Museum – is easily one of the best free things to do in Liverpool . While most are free to visit, you might come across temporary or touring exhibits that require paid tickets. For these, it’s a good idea to pre-book, especially on weekends or during the school holidays. 

Want to learn more about Liverpool’s famous Fab Four ? The award-winning Beatles Story attraction at the Royal Albert Dock is essential viewing, and booking tickets in advance is always worthwhile. 

The same goes for certain seasonal events. For example, Liverpool Cathedral often hosts fascinating art installations in its impressive interiors. They’re usually free (donations welcome), but you may still want to reserve a time slot online beforehand.  

Prepare to party – or keep your distance on weekends

Liverpool is a hotspot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, with groups of guys and tiara-wearing ladies traveling from far and wide to sample its eclectic nightlife scene. 

While weekends take center stage thanks to seemingly endless club events and music gigs, you’ll still find a lively atmosphere during the week. This is partly down to the city’s large student population and partly the locals’ fondness for a good time, whatever the day or occasion. 

Hoping for a quieter Friday or Saturday evening? Steer clear of neighborhoods like Ropewalks (home to the riotous Concert Square) and the stretch of Irish pubs, karaoke venues and music venues – including the world-famous Cavern Club – along Mathew Street. 

Lark Lane near Sefton Park and the Royal Albert Docks both offer a more chilled evening out. You could also combine tasty food with well-made cocktails at indoor markets like the Baltic Market or Duke Street Market.

Don’t be surprised if a stranger strikes up a conversation

Unlike some larger UK cities (I’m looking at you, London), Liverpool’s locals are always welcoming to tourists and typically happy to converse, whether you’re waiting for a bus or grabbing a drink at a bar. 

Struggling to understand the iconic, albeit thick, Scouse accent? It happens to the best of us (and it’s nothing to be ashamed of). Just politely ask the person you’re chatting with to repeat themselves. They’re unlikely to be offended.

Never mock the Scouse accent

Scousers are a friendly bunch. Nevertheless, a few things are considered bad etiquette in Liverpool. 

A mash-up of Irish, Welsh and Lancashire inflections has helped create the masterpiece that is the Scouse accent. While you’ll enjoy hearing snippets of it as you wander around the city, never try to copy it. Why? You’ll likely fail, plus it’s simply bad manners. 

Scousers love getting dressed up

Jeans and a nice top won’t normally cut it when it comes to a night out in Liverpool. Locals make a mammoth effort to dress up, no matter the occasion, so don’t be surprised if you spot a few ladies going about their business in the daytime with curlers in their hair. 

That’s not to say you can’t go for a more casual dress code. Many venues, including those in the Baltic Triangle, have a laid-back vibe where anything from distressed denim to sparkling sequins goes. 

Stay in a group and drink responsibly

It’s easy to get caught up in Liverpool’s lively party culture. While you’re at liberty to drink what and however much you like, be aware of your limits. Heading to the city for a big night out? Go with a friend or in a group, and keep an eye on your drinks at all times because spiking isn’t uncommon. 

Stick to the city center or waterfront after dark

In general, Liverpool is safe. Nevertheless, like any big city, it’s best to be aware of your surroundings at night or when you're alone. Stick to busier areas, such as the city center and Albert Dock, where help is always at hand. Take a taxi – don’t walk – if you’re venturing farther afield in the dark. 

Is Liverpool safe for the LGBTIQ+ community?

Liverpudlians’ natural warmth and friendliness extends to the LGBTIQ+ community. The city has its own Pride Quarter (in and around Stanley Street) where you’ll find myriad colorful and inclusive bars and clubs.

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